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{{short description|American politician and businessman}}
{{short description|American politician and businessman}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Gary Trauner
| name = Gary Trauner
|image = Gary Trauner at Campbell County League of Women Voters' General Election Candidates' Forum in Gillette, Wyoming (1).jpg
| image = Gary Trauner at Campbell County League of Women Voters' General Election Candidates' Forum in Gillette, Wyoming (1).jpg
| caption = Trauner in 2018
⚫
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|12|15}}
| office = Chair of the [[Teton County School District Number 1]] Board of Trustees
|birth_place = [[Scarsdale, New York|Scarsdale]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| term = 2006 – 2008
|death_date =
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|12|15}}
⚫
|death_place =
|party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| birth_place = [[Scarsdale, New York]], U.S.
|spouse = Terry Trauner
| death_date =
⚫
| death_place =
⚫
|education = [[Colgate University]] {{small|([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])}}<br>[[New York University]] {{small|([[Master of Business Administration|MBA]])}}
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|website = {{url|traunerforwy.com|Campaign website}}
| spouse = Terry Trauner
⚫
| education = [[Colgate University]] {{small|([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])}}<br>[[New York University]] {{small|([[Master of Business Administration|MBA]])}}
| website =
}}
}}
'''Gary S. Trauner''' (born December 15, 1958) is an American businessman and politician from [[Wyoming]]. He was nominated by the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in the state's [[United States House of Representatives]] elections in [[2006 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming|2006]] and [[2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming|2008]], as well as in its [[2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming|2018 U.S. Senate election]]. He previously chaired the [[Teton County School District Number 1]] [[Board of trustees|Board of Trustees]] (2006–2008).
'''Gary S. Trauner''' (born December 15, 1958) is an American businessman and politician from [[Wyoming]]. He was nominated by the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in the state's [[United States House of Representatives]] elections in [[2006 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming|2006]] and [[2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming|2008]], as well as in its [[2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming|2018 U.S. Senate election]]. He previously chaired the [[Teton County School District Number 1]] [[Board of trustees|Board of Trustees]] (2006–2008).


==Background==
==Background==
Trauner was born and raised in [[Scarsdale, New York]] and was raised in a [[Reform Jewish]] family.<ref name="Cubin's New York Ad">{{Cite news|url=https://forward.com/campaign-confidential/7433/cubins-new-york-ad-raises-jewish-eyebrows/|title=Cubin's "New York" Ad Raises Jewish Eyebrows|date=2006-11-06|work=Forward Magazine|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref> He received a [[bachelor's degree]] from [[Colgate University]] in [[Hamilton (village), New York|Hamilton, New York]], and an [[MBA]] from the [[Stern School of Business]] at [[New York University]] in [[New York City]]. He first visited Wyoming when he was 13 and permanently moved to the state in 1990.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://buckrail.com/gary-trauner-announces-hell-challenge-barrasso-senate-seat/|title=Gary Trauner announces he’ll challenge Barrasso for Senate seat|date=2017-12-08|work=Buckrail|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Cubin's New York Ad"/> He co-founded and served as Chief Financial Officer of OneWest.net, a regional internet service provider, and later served as the Chief Operating Officer for St. John’s Medical Center in [[Jackson, Wyoming|Jackson]] and as Executive Director of [[Jackson Hole]] Lacrosse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/legislature/trauner-announces-senate-bid/article_da175a2c-2735-556b-b085-bb7885a687b7.html|title=Trauner announces Senate bid|date=2017-12-09|work=Jackson Hole Daily|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_229d4053-af3a-573d-a77a-8221c7e868d2.html|title=Trauner vows to put people before party|date=2017-12-13|work=Gillette News Record|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref> He previously served as Vice President of the Teton Trust money management company and founded a dog food company.<ref name="Get to Know You"/> His dog food company, Mulligan Stew Pet Food, received an honorable mention from [[Fortune Small Business]]'s business plan competition in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/smallbusiness/0810/gallery.entrepreneurs_for_congress.smb/3.html|title=Elect an entrepreneur- Gary Trauner|date=2008|work=CNN|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref>
Trauner was born and raised in [[Scarsdale, New York]] and was raised in a [[Reform Jewish]] family.<ref name="Cubin's New York Ad">{{Cite news|url=https://forward.com/campaign-confidential/7433/cubins-new-york-ad-raises-jewish-eyebrows/|title=Cubin's "New York" Ad Raises Jewish Eyebrows|date=2006-11-06|work=Forward Magazine|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref> He received a [[bachelor's degree]] from [[Colgate University]] in [[Hamilton (village), New York|Hamilton, New York]], and an [[MBA]] from the [[Stern School of Business]] at [[New York University]] in [[New York City]]. He first visited Wyoming when he was 13 and permanently moved to the state in 1990.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://buckrail.com/gary-trauner-announces-hell-challenge-barrasso-senate-seat/|title=Gary Trauner announces he'll challenge Barrasso for Senate seat|date=2017-12-08|work=Buckrail|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Cubin's New York Ad"/> He co-founded and served as Chief Financial Officer of OneWest.net, a regional internet service provider, and later served as the Chief Operating Officer for St. John’s Medical Center in [[Jackson, Wyoming|Jackson]] and as Executive Director of [[Jackson Hole]] Lacrosse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/legislature/trauner-announces-senate-bid/article_da175a2c-2735-556b-b085-bb7885a687b7.html|title=Trauner announces Senate bid|date=2017-12-09|work=Jackson Hole Daily|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_229d4053-af3a-573d-a77a-8221c7e868d2.html|title=Trauner vows to put people before party|date=2017-12-13|work=Gillette News Record|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref> He previously served as Vice President of the Teton Trust money management company and founded a dog food company.<ref name="Get to Know You"/> His dog food company, Mulligan Stew Pet Food, received an honorable mention from [[Fortune Small Business]]'s business plan competition in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/smallbusiness/0810/gallery.entrepreneurs_for_congress.smb/3.html|title=Elect an entrepreneur- Gary Trauner|date=2008|work=CNN|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref>


Trauner lives in [[Wilson, Wyoming]] with his wife Terry, who is Catholic. He is the father of two sons.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/gary-trauner-of-wilson-announces-senate-run-in/article_ce19727c-dcae-11e7-adc2-df878256222a.html|title=Gary Trauner of Wilson announces Senate run in 2018|date=2017-12-09|work=Wyoming News|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Cubin's New York Ad"/>
Trauner lives in [[Wilson, Wyoming]] with his wife Terry, who is Catholic. He is the father of two sons.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/gary-trauner-of-wilson-announces-senate-run-in/article_ce19727c-dcae-11e7-adc2-df878256222a.html|title=Gary Trauner of Wilson announces Senate run in 2018|date=2017-12-09|work=Wyoming News|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Cubin's New York Ad"/>


==Politics==
==Politics==
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Trauner served on the [[Teton County School District Number 1]] Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2006, eventually rising to Chair of the Board.<ref name="Get to Know You">{{Cite news|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/trauner-moves-past-get-to-know-you-stage/article_6f4c5e0f-fa3e-5740-987c-a9ff5093fe4b.html|title=Trauner moves past get-to-know-you stage|date=2008-10-20|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Trauner was credited with replacing the district's unpopular Superintendent with Pam Shea under whose leadership saw student test scores rise and teacher salaries go up.<ref name="Get to Know You"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/valley/people/closeup/trauner-s-career-turns-to-lacrosse/article_530cd5af-02ac-5523-b650-1e39d58b0249.html|title=Trauner's career turns to lacrosse|date=2015-12-02|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Trauner was the Chair of the Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District and his term ended in November 2018.<ref name="Lacrosse">{{Cite news|url=http://communities.pitchengine.com/113657565446930432|title=Gary Trauner named first executive director of JH Lacrosse Club|work=Buckrail|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tetonwyo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3976|title=Proposed Budget- Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District|date=2017-07-11|work=Teton County government|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District won the Gold Award from the 18th Annual Great American Water Taste Test for best-tasting water in the nation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/town_county/aspens-water-district-wins-best-water-contest/article_464efaae-789b-53a2-b327-613d9290b00a.html|title=Aspens water district wins best water contest|date=2017-02-21|work=Jackson Hole Daily|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, Trauner received the Silver Award for Best Politician That Does Not Hold an Office in Planet Jackson Hole Newspaper's annual awards as voted by the local community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://planetjh.com/2013/03/06/best-of-jh-2013-readers-poll/|title=Best of JH 2013 Readers' Poll|date=2013-03-06|work=Planet Jackson Hole|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, Trauner also serves as Chair of the Charture Institute, a Jackson-based conservation [[think-tank]] founded in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://missionandvision.org/nonprofit/030384966/charture-institute/overview|title=Charture Institute|date=2015|work=Mission&Vision|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Lacrosse"/> He is the former Vice Chair of the Teton County Pathways Task Force, a nine-member citizen advisory committee appointed by the Town and County, and is a member of the Jackson Hole Land Trust.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/democrat-mulls-bid-for-u-s-house/article_a736b5c0-2da8-53e0-a8f7-cb4854fb0d30.html|title=Democrat mulls bid for U.S. House|date=2015-10-18|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref>
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[[File:Gary Trauner (100222328).jpg|thumb|Gary Trauner as a congressional candidate, at a session on rural politics.]]
⚫
Trauner served on the [[Teton County School District Number 1]] Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2006, eventually rising to Chair of the Board.<ref name="Get to Know You">{{Cite news|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/trauner-moves-past-get-to-know-you-stage/article_6f4c5e0f-fa3e-5740-987c-a9ff5093fe4b.html|title=Trauner moves past get-to-know-you stage|date=2008-10-20|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Trauner was credited with replacing the district's unpopular Superintendent with Pam Shea under whose leadership saw student test scores rise and teacher salaries go up.<ref name="Get to Know You"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/valley/people/closeup/trauner-s-career-turns-to-lacrosse/article_530cd5af-02ac-5523-b650-1e39d58b0249.html|title=Trauner’s career turns to lacrosse|date=2015-12-02|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Trauner is the Chair of the Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District and his term ends in November 2018.<ref name="Lacrosse">{{Cite news|url=http://communities.pitchengine.com/113657565446930432|title=Gary Trauner named first executive director of JH Lacrosse Club|date=|work=Buckrail|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tetonwyo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3976|title=Proposed Budget- Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District|date=2017-07-11|work=Teton County government|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District won the Gold Award from the 18th Annual Great American Water Taste Test for best-tasting water in the nation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/town_county/aspens-water-district-wins-best-water-contest/article_464efaae-789b-53a2-b327-613d9290b00a.html|title=Aspens water district wins best water contest|date=2017-02-21|work=Jackson Hole Daily|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2013, Trauner received the Silver Award for Best Politician That Does Not Hold an Office in Planet Jackson Hole Newspaper's annual awards as voted by the local community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://planetjh.com/2013/03/06/best-of-jh-2013-readers-poll/|title=Best of JH 2013 Readers’ Poll|date=2013-03-06|work=Planet Jackson Hole|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, Trauner also serves as Chair of the Charture Institute, a Jackson-based conservation [[think-tank]] founded in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://missionandvision.org/nonprofit/030384966/charture-institute/overview|title=Charture Institute|date=2015|work=Mission&Vision|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Lacrosse"/> He is the former Vice Chair of the Teton County Pathways Task Force, a nine-member citizen advisory committee appointed by the Town and County, and is a member of the Jackson Hole Land Trust.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/democrat-mulls-bid-for-u-s-house/article_a736b5c0-2da8-53e0-a8f7-cb4854fb0d30.html|title=Democrat mulls bid for U.S. House|date=2015-10-18|work=Billings Gazette|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en-US}}</ref>


===House elections===
===House elections===
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[[File:Gary Trauner (100222328).jpg|thumb|Trauner as a 2008 congressional candidate, attending a session on rural politics during the 2007 [[Netroots Nation]] gathering]]


Trauner ran as the Democratic nominee in the [[2006 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming]], and raised nearly as much money in the first quarter of 2006 as the incumbent Representative [[Barbara Cubin]].<ref name=horrigan2006>{{Citation |author=Marie Horrigan |publication-date=2006-04-22 |title=WY At-Large: Well-Funded Trauner Poses Threat to Cubin |publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]] |work=CQPolitics.com |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/04/wy_atlarge_wellfunded_trauner.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831023359/http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/04/wy_atlarge_wellfunded_trauner.html |archivedate=2006-08-31 }}</ref> In the second quarter he raised more money than Cubin and had more cash on hand at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2006/07/16/news/wyoming/7ad96712ffa7ed8c872571ac00005f73.txt |first=Jared |last=Miller |title=Trauner fundraising outpaces Cubin |date=2006-06-15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune}}</ref> By May 2006, a poll had put Trauner within the margin of error.<ref name=rasmus2006>{{Citation |publication-date=2006-05-08 |title=Wyoming House Seat in Play |publisher=[[Rasmussen Reports]] |work=Election 2006 |url=http://rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/April%202006/Wyoming%20April.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518051932/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/April%202006/Wyoming%20April.htm |archivedate=2006-05-18 }}</ref> In mid-August, ''[[Congressional Quarterly]]'' changed their rating of this race from "Republican Favored" to the more competitive "Leans Republican".<ref name=benenson2006>{{Citation
Trauner ran as the Democratic nominee in the [[2006 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming]], and raised nearly as much money in the first quarter of 2006 as the incumbent Representative [[Barbara Cubin]].<ref name=horrigan2006>{{Citation |author=Marie Horrigan |publication-date=2006-04-22 |title=WY At-Large: Well-Funded Trauner Poses Threat to Cubin |publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]] |work=CQPolitics.com |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/04/wy_atlarge_wellfunded_trauner.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831023359/http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/04/wy_atlarge_wellfunded_trauner.html |archive-date=2006-08-31 }}</ref> In the second quarter he raised more money than Cubin and had more cash on hand at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2006/07/16/news/wyoming/7ad96712ffa7ed8c872571ac00005f73.txt |first=Jared |last=Miller |title=Trauner fundraising outpaces Cubin |date=2006-06-15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune}}</ref> By May 2006, a poll had put Trauner within the margin of error.<ref name=rasmus2006>{{Citation |publication-date=2006-05-08 |title=Wyoming House Seat in Play |publisher=[[Rasmussen Reports]] |work=Election 2006 |url=http://rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/April%202006/Wyoming%20April.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518051932/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/April%202006/Wyoming%20April.htm |archive-date=2006-05-18 }}</ref> In mid-August, ''[[Congressional Quarterly]]'' changed their rating of this race from "Republican Favored" to the more competitive "Leans Republican".<ref name=benenson2006>{{Citation
|author=Bob Benenson |publication-date=2006-08-10 |title=Big Batch of Rating Changes Reflects Stronger Democratic Breeze |work=CQPolitics.com |publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]] |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com//2006/08/big_batch_of_rating_changes_re.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813081104/http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/08/big_batch_of_rating_changes_re.html |archivedate=2006-08-13 }}</ref> Trauner narrowly lost 47.8% to Barbara Cubin's 48.3%. Trauner ran for again for the seat during the [[2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming]] and was endorsed by [[Governor of Wyoming|Wyoming Governor]] [[Dave Freudenthal]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2008/10/25/news/wyoming/88712246221b051f872574ea00828b2a.txt | title=Gov lauds Trauner, jabs Lummis | last=Barron | first=Joan | date=2008-10-25 | work=Jackson Hole Star Tribune}}</ref> He lost 2008 with 43% of the vote to [[Cynthia Lummis]]' 53%.
|author=Bob Benenson |publication-date=2006-08-10 |title=Big Batch of Rating Changes Reflects Stronger Democratic Breeze |work=CQPolitics.com |publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]] |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com//2006/08/big_batch_of_rating_changes_re.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813081104/http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/08/big_batch_of_rating_changes_re.html |archive-date=2006-08-13 }}</ref> Trauner narrowly lost 47.8% to Barbara Cubin's 48.3%. Trauner ran for the seat again during the [[2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming]] and was endorsed by [[Governor of Wyoming|Wyoming Governor]] [[Dave Freudenthal]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2008/10/25/news/wyoming/88712246221b051f872574ea00828b2a.txt | title=Gov lauds Trauner, jabs Lummis | last=Barron | first=Joan | date=2008-10-25 | work=Jackson Hole Star Tribune}}</ref> He lost in 2008 with 43% of the vote to [[Cynthia Lummis]]' 53%.


===2018 U.S. Senate election===
===2018 U.S. Senate election===
{{main|2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming}}
Trauner won the Democratic primary unopposed to run against incumbent United States Senator [[John Barrasso]] in the 2018 election.<ref name="BPGT">{{cite web |title=Gary Trauner |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Gary_Trauner |website=Ballotpedia |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref>


Trauner was the only candidate running for the Democratic nomination for the [[United States Senate]] in [[2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming|Wyoming]], going against incumbent Senator [[John Barrasso]] in the November general election.<ref name="BPGT">{{cite web |title=Gary Trauner |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Gary_Trauner |website=Ballotpedia |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> His goals included "getting big money out of politics,"<ref name="USN">{{cite news |title=Democrat Gary Trauner Announces Bid for Wyoming US Senate |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming/articles/2017-12-08/democrat-gary-trauner-announces-bid-for-wyoming-us-senate |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=U.S. News & World Report |date=8 December 2018}}</ref> and had pledged not to accept corporate campaign funding from any [[political action committee]].<ref name="Taylor">{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Zac |title=ELECTION: Trainer running for U.S. Senate seat |url=http://wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/us-senate-candidate-gary-trauner-hopes-fix-washington#stream/0 |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Cody Enterprise |date=4 June 2018}}</ref> For this reason he had been endorsed by [[End Citizens United]].<ref name="ECU">{{cite news |title=END CITIZENS UNITED ENDORSES GARY TRAUNER FOR U.S. SENATE IN WYOMING |url=http://endcitizensunited.org/press-releases/end-citizens-united-endorses-gary-trauner-u-s-senate-wyoming/ |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=End Citizens United |date=1 March 2018}}</ref> He had also criticized Senator Barrasso for his vote to repeal the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] to "take health care away from 20 million people."<ref name="CST">{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title=Democrat Gary Trauner almost won Wyoming's House seat 10 years ago. Can he beat Barrasso? |url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/democrat-gary-trauner-almost-won-wyoming-s-house-seat-years/article_c2be2d3e-a5c9-53d8-953e-b73ec137b858.html |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Casper Star Tribune |date=14 December 2017}}</ref> He considers "opportunity and inequality" to be the biggest issues facing the nation,<ref name="Boomerang">{{cite news |last1=Victor |first1=Jeff |title=Democratic candidate for Senate: ‘Opportunity and inequality’ biggest issues facing nation |url=http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/local_news/democratic-candidate-for-senate-opportunity-and-inequality-biggest-issues-facing/article_db34a7f4-185b-11e8-8d6e-87b5b6894371.html |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Laramie Boomerang |date=23 February 2018}}</ref> and has advocated for diversification of Wyoming's economy.<ref name="Kemmemer">{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Theresa |title=Senate candidate Gary Trauner visits Kemmerer |url=https://kemmerergazette.com/article/senate-candidate-gary-trauner-visits-kemmerer |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Kemmemer Gazette |date=16 June 2018}}</ref>
His goals included "getting big money out of politics,"<ref name="USN">{{cite news |title=Democrat Gary Trauner Announces Bid for Wyoming US Senate |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming/articles/2017-12-08/democrat-gary-trauner-announces-bid-for-wyoming-us-senate |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=U.S. News & World Report |date=8 December 2018}}</ref> and had pledged not to accept corporate campaign funding from any [[political action committee]].<ref name="Taylor">{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Zac |title=ELECTION: Trainer running for U.S. Senate seat |url=http://wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/us-senate-candidate-gary-trauner-hopes-fix-washington#stream/0 |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Cody Enterprise |date=4 June 2018}}</ref> For this reason he was endorsed by [[End Citizens United]].<ref name="ECU">{{cite news |title=END CITIZENS UNITED ENDORSES GARY TRAUNER FOR U.S. SENATE IN WYOMING |url=http://endcitizensunited.org/press-releases/end-citizens-united-endorses-gary-trauner-u-s-senate-wyoming/ |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=End Citizens United |date=1 March 2018}}</ref> He also criticized Senator Barrasso for his vote to repeal the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] to "take health care away from 20 million people."<ref name="CST">{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title=Democrat Gary Trauner almost won Wyoming's House seat 10 years ago. Can he beat Barrasso? |url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/democrat-gary-trauner-almost-won-wyoming-s-house-seat-years/article_c2be2d3e-a5c9-53d8-953e-b73ec137b858.html |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Casper Star Tribune |date=14 December 2017}}</ref> He considers "opportunity and inequality" to be the biggest issues facing the nation,<ref name="Boomerang">{{cite news |last1=Victor |first1=Jeff |title=Democratic candidate for Senate: 'Opportunity and inequality' biggest issues facing nation |url=http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/local_news/democratic-candidate-for-senate-opportunity-and-inequality-biggest-issues-facing/article_db34a7f4-185b-11e8-8d6e-87b5b6894371.html |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Laramie Boomerang |date=23 February 2018}}</ref> and has advocated for the diversification of Wyoming's economy.<ref name="Kemmemer">{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Theresa |title=Senate candidate Gary Trauner visits Kemmerer |url=https://kemmerergazette.com/article/senate-candidate-gary-trauner-visits-kemmerer |accessdate=16 July 2018 |work=Kemmemer Gazette |date=16 June 2018}}</ref>

In the November election, he lost in a landslide, 67-30.1.


==References==
==References==
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*{{Conglinks|votesmart=67458|fec=S8WY00189}}
*{{Conglinks|votesmart=67458|fec=S8WY00189}}
*[https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6WY01025/ Financial information (U.S. House in 2006, 2008)] at the [[Federal Election Commission]]
*[https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6WY01025/ Financial information (U.S. House in 2006, 2008)] at the [[Federal Election Commission]]
*{{C-SPAN|garytrauner}}
*{{C-SPAN|1021904}}


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{{s-bef|before=[[Tim Chesnut]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Tim Chesnut]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] from [[Wyoming]]<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 1]])|years=[[United States Senate election in Wyoming, 2018|2018]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] from [[Wyoming]]<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 1]])|years=[[2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming|2018]]}}
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[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:Colgate University alumni]]
[[Category:Colgate University alumni]]
[[Category:Jewish American politicians]]
[[Category:Jewish American people in Wyoming politics]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Scarsdale, New York]]
[[Category:Politicians from Scarsdale, New York]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Scarsdale, New York]]
[[Category:Scarsdale High School alumni]]
[[Category:Scarsdale High School alumni]]
[[Category:School board members in Wyoming]]
[[Category:School board members in Wyoming]]
[[Category:Stern School of Business alumni]]
[[Category:New York University Stern School of Business alumni]]
[[Category:Wyoming Democrats]]
[[Category:Wyoming Democrats]]
[[Category:People from Wilson, Wyoming]]
[[Category:People from Wilson, Wyoming]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2018 United States Senate elections]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]

Latest revision as of 01:54, 4 December 2024

Gary Trauner
Trauner in 2018
Chair of the Teton County School District Number 1 Board of Trustees
In office
2006 – 2008
Personal details
Born (1958-12-15) December 15, 1958 (age 66)
Scarsdale, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseTerry Trauner
EducationColgate University (BA)
New York University (MBA)

Gary S. Trauner (born December 15, 1958) is an American businessman and politician from Wyoming. He was nominated by the Democratic Party in the state's United States House of Representatives elections in 2006 and 2008, as well as in its 2018 U.S. Senate election. He previously chaired the Teton County School District Number 1 Board of Trustees (2006–2008).

Background

[edit]

Trauner was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York and was raised in a Reform Jewish family.[1] He received a bachelor's degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University in New York City. He first visited Wyoming when he was 13 and permanently moved to the state in 1990.[2][1] He co-founded and served as Chief Financial Officer of OneWest.net, a regional internet service provider, and later served as the Chief Operating Officer for St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson and as Executive Director of Jackson Hole Lacrosse.[3][4] He previously served as Vice President of the Teton Trust money management company and founded a dog food company.[5] His dog food company, Mulligan Stew Pet Food, received an honorable mention from Fortune Small Business's business plan competition in 2007.[6]

Trauner lives in Wilson, Wyoming with his wife Terry, who is Catholic. He is the father of two sons.[7][1]

Politics

[edit]

Trauner served on the Teton County School District Number 1 Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2006, eventually rising to Chair of the Board.[5] Trauner was credited with replacing the district's unpopular Superintendent with Pam Shea under whose leadership saw student test scores rise and teacher salaries go up.[5][8] Trauner was the Chair of the Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District and his term ended in November 2018.[9][10] In 2017, Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District won the Gold Award from the 18th Annual Great American Water Taste Test for best-tasting water in the nation.[11] In 2013, Trauner received the Silver Award for Best Politician That Does Not Hold an Office in Planet Jackson Hole Newspaper's annual awards as voted by the local community.[12] Additionally, Trauner also serves as Chair of the Charture Institute, a Jackson-based conservation think-tank founded in 2002.[13][9] He is the former Vice Chair of the Teton County Pathways Task Force, a nine-member citizen advisory committee appointed by the Town and County, and is a member of the Jackson Hole Land Trust.[14]

House elections

[edit]
Trauner as a 2008 congressional candidate, attending a session on rural politics during the 2007 Netroots Nation gathering

Trauner ran as the Democratic nominee in the 2006 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, and raised nearly as much money in the first quarter of 2006 as the incumbent Representative Barbara Cubin.[15] In the second quarter he raised more money than Cubin and had more cash on hand at the time.[16] By May 2006, a poll had put Trauner within the margin of error.[17] In mid-August, Congressional Quarterly changed their rating of this race from "Republican Favored" to the more competitive "Leans Republican".[18] Trauner narrowly lost 47.8% to Barbara Cubin's 48.3%. Trauner ran for the seat again during the 2008 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming and was endorsed by Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal.[19] He lost in 2008 with 43% of the vote to Cynthia Lummis' 53%.

2018 U.S. Senate election

[edit]
Main article: 2018 United States Senate election in Wyoming

Trauner won the Democratic primary unopposed to run against incumbent United States Senator John Barrasso in the 2018 election.[20]

His goals included "getting big money out of politics,"[21] and had pledged not to accept corporate campaign funding from any political action committee.[22] For this reason he was endorsed by End Citizens United.[23] He also criticized Senator Barrasso for his vote to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to "take health care away from 20 million people."[24] He considers "opportunity and inequality" to be the biggest issues facing the nation,[25] and has advocated for the diversification of Wyoming's economy.[26]

In the November election, he lost in a landslide, 67-30.1.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Cubin's "New York" Ad Raises Jewish Eyebrows". Forward Magazine. 2006-11-06. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  2. ^ "Gary Trauner announces he'll challenge Barrasso for Senate seat". Buckrail. 2017-12-08. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  3. ^ "Trauner announces Senate bid". Jackson Hole Daily. 2017-12-09. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  4. ^ "Trauner vows to put people before party". Gillette News Record. 2017-12-13. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  5. ^ a b c "Trauner moves past get-to-know-you stage". Billings Gazette. 2008-10-20. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  6. ^ "Elect an entrepreneur- Gary Trauner". CNN. 2008. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  7. ^ "Gary Trauner of Wilson announces Senate run in 2018". Wyoming News. 2017-12-09. Retrieved 2018-02-09.
  8. ^ "Trauner's career turns to lacrosse". Billings Gazette. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  9. ^ a b "Gary Trauner named first executive director of JH Lacrosse Club". Buckrail. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  10. ^ "Proposed Budget- Aspens Pines Water and Sewer District". Teton County government. 2017-07-11. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  11. ^ "Aspens water district wins best water contest". Jackson Hole Daily. 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  12. ^ "Best of JH 2013 Readers' Poll". Planet Jackson Hole. 2013-03-06. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  13. ^ "Charture Institute". Mission&Vision. 2015. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  14. ^ "Democrat mulls bid for U.S. House". Billings Gazette. 2015-10-18. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  15. ^ Marie Horrigan (2006-04-22), "WY At-Large: Well-Funded Trauner Poses Threat to Cubin", CQPolitics.com, Congressional Quarterly, archived from the original on 2006-08-31
  16. ^ Miller, Jared (2006-06-15). "Trauner fundraising outpaces Cubin". Casper Star-Tribune.
  17. ^ "Wyoming House Seat in Play", Election 2006, Rasmussen Reports, 2006-05-08, archived from the original on 2006-05-18
  18. ^ Bob Benenson (2006-08-10), "Big Batch of Rating Changes Reflects Stronger Democratic Breeze", CQPolitics.com, Congressional Quarterly, archived from the original on 2006-08-13
  19. ^ Barron, Joan (2008-10-25). "Gov lauds Trauner, jabs Lummis". Jackson Hole Star Tribune.
  20. ^ "Gary Trauner". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  21. ^ "Democrat Gary Trauner Announces Bid for Wyoming US Senate". U.S. News & World Report. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  22. ^ Taylor, Zac (4 June 2018). "ELECTION: Trainer running for U.S. Senate seat". Cody Enterprise. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  23. ^ "END CITIZENS UNITED ENDORSES GARY TRAUNER FOR U.S. SENATE IN WYOMING". End Citizens United. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  24. ^ Rosenfeld, Arno (14 December 2017). "Democrat Gary Trauner almost won Wyoming's House seat 10 years ago. Can he beat Barrasso?". Casper Star Tribune. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  25. ^ Victor, Jeff (23 February 2018). "Democratic candidate for Senate: 'Opportunity and inequality' biggest issues facing nation". Laramie Boomerang. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  26. ^ Davis, Theresa (16 June 2018). "Senate candidate Gary Trauner visits Kemmerer". Kemmemer Gazette. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
[edit]
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Wyoming
(Class 1)
2018 		Succeeded by
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